How to Decide If You Should Quit Your Job - Ask Yourself the Following Five Questions

Sometimes you get the feeling that it might be time to start looking for another job. But quitting your current job and looking for a new one is a big step. How can you come to the decision that it is time to start scoping out the help wanted ads and turn in your two week notice? Start by asking yourself the following questions.

Is my health at risk?

There are several reasons why your current job could be hazardous to your health. Perhaps the stress level is so high that your blood pressure has reached dangerous levels. You might work in a factory or other setting that exposes you to hazards such as machinery or chemicals. Or maybe your job requires you to work rotating or graveyard shifts, and the lack of a proper sleep schedule is causing you health concerns. If for any reason your current job is posing any sort of risk to your health, you should probably quit and look elsewhere.

Does my job require me to do something unethical or immoral?

If your superior asks you to do something you know is just not right, or you are aware of unethical practices being performed, it might be time to quit your job. If circumstance allows, you should first go to someone higher up and report the situation. Although it is difficult and you might feel like a whistle-blower or tattletale, it is the right and proper thing to do. If your words seem to fall on deaf ears or you are encouraged to overlook such practices then you definitely know it is time to quit this job and seek employment elsewhere.

Has my life gone through some drastic changes?

Certain life situations such as a new baby, divorce or marriage, or an illness in your family can mean that your needs have changed drastically. For example, the job that you worked at for the love of it might have been fine - despite its lack of insurance availability - before you adopted your child. But now you find yourself in dire need of health insurance and other benefits. Or maybe you are helping to care for your aging parent and require a position that offers you more flexibility. If you enjoy your current job and feel you are good at it, you should first approach your boss and talk about what you need in order to stay. If they cannot or will not accommodate you, it might be time to quit your job and find another.

Is my job at risk?

If there have been layoffs at your place of business and talks of more budget cuts, or the rumor mill is bursting with stories of bankruptcy and closing doors, you should evaluate your position. There is definitely something to be said for loyalty, and sticking it out can mean a promotion if the company pulls through (or a severance package if it does not!). But if you are not prepared for the possibility of showing up to work one day and finding no job to come to and no paycheck to come, you ought to at least mull over quitting your job and finding a new one.

Do I dread getting up in the morning?

This final question is a biggie. Do you have migraines come Sunday evening? Do you find yourself feeling physically ill at the thought of another day at your current job? Take into account whether you are stressed out due to a short-term project or situation, or if it is your overall job situation. If it is the latter, you might want to quit and seek a different place of employment.